Partnership for Global Food Security and Sustainability

Saint Mary’s University demonstrates its global commitment to sustainability through a long-standing partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Led by Dr. Tony Charles, Director of the School of the Environment and professor in the Sobey School of Business, this collaboration focuses on empowering small-scale fishing communities worldwide. Dr. Charles has developed a global stewardship database and framework to assess conservation practices, linking grassroots initiatives to government policies and international dialogue. His research, published in FAO’s Environmental Stewardship by Small-Scale Fisheries, highlights how local communities protect ecosystems while sustaining livelihoods, and how such efforts can inform inclusive, equitable governance. 

As emphasized by FAO leaders, this work bridges scientific knowledge and community wisdom, offering critical insights into poverty reduction, climate change adaptation, and resource access. Supported by the university’s Office of Innovation and Community Engagement, the project reflects Saint Mary’s dedication to impactful partnerships that combine research excellence, community collaboration, and international cooperation to build a more sustainable and food-secure future.

Find more information on this partnership here.